Astros complete coaching staff with 'El Presidente'

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The Houston Astros rounded out their 2013
coaching staff with a pair of former major leaguers, chief among them Dennis
Martinez.

"Dennis has an impressive track record as a Major League pitcher and now has
six years of coaching experience under his belt," Houston general manager Jeff
Luhnow said. "He has a unique ability to inspire pitchers and give them the
confidence they need to succeed at the highest level."

Martinez comes to Houston after spending six seasons as a pitching coach
within the St. Louis Cardinals system. He will also serve as manager for his
native Nicaragua in the qualifying round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

The 57-year-old pitched for 23 seasons (1976-98), going 245-193 with a 3.70
earned run average in 692 games (562) starts. A four-time All-Star selection
who was a World Series winner with Baltimore in 1983, Martinez also pitched a
perfect game for the Montreal Expos at Los Angeles on July 28, 1991.

In addition, Eduardo Perez has been named bench coach. The 43-year-old former
utilityman for six clubs over a 13-year career will be manager for his native
Colombia in the upcoming WBC qualifying round. Perez comes over from the
Marlins, where he served as hitting coach since June of 2011.

"With the addition of Eduardo and Dennis, we have assembled a group of
teachers and coaches that will give our players the best chance to contribute
to their maximum potential," Astros manager Bo Porter said.

Luhnow also announced that Tony DeFrancesco will return as manager for
Houston's Triple-A farm club at Oklahoma City. In 2012, DeFrancesco led the
RedHawks to a 78-65 record in the Southern Division of the Pacific Coast
League.